In collaboration with the Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture, the Conference will take place 24 – 26 November and will explore the contemporary landscape of Islamic arts and crafts across the Arab world. With over 50 participants, 27+ speakers, and representation from more than 13 countries, the conference will highlight the dynamic nature of Islamic artistic traditions as well as the work of contemporary artisans, keeping this heritage alive. By elevating the status of crafted items, the conference and its associated events strive to revitalize traditional crafts and culture, advocate for the recognition of craftsmen as artists, and foster a renewed appreciation for decorative arts both regionally and globally.
Throughout the two-day conference, there will be ten symposiums addressing key themes, including the crafts industry across various regions of Saudi Arabia, the significant role of tradition in modern works, sustainability and the impact of crafts on contemporary society, as well as the impact of museums and patronage in preserving crafts.
Islamic Art Conference 2021. Photography by Ithra Studios
Day 1 (Monday, 25 November) of the conference will explore the evolving role of crafts in Saudi Arabia and the broader Islamic world, beginning with discussions on the future of crafts and the ways they shape cultural identity. Following this, The Artisans of Arabia panel will highlight the work and significance of local artisans. The afternoon will feature Heritage in Peril, a session focused on efforts to protect endangered cultural heritage, and In Praise of the Artisan, with guided exhibition tours showcasing masterful craft pieces. The day will conclude with Crafts Behind the Lens, a session on the documentation of artisans’ lives and livelihoods, illustrating the importance of preserving these stories through film and photography.
On Day 2 (Tuesday, 26 November), the conference will dive into the intersection of crafts, urban environments, and societal impact with the Craft, City and Society panel. This will be followed by Museum & the Artisan, which examines how museums can create new narratives that honor artisan traditions within their collections. In the afternoon, The Power of Patronage will highlight the importance of support systems in preserving and advancing traditional crafts. Knowledge & Practice will then explore innovative approaches to sustaining craft traditions for future generations. The day will wrap up with In Conversation with Artisans, offering participants the chance to engage directly with artisans and gain insights into their practices.
In addition to the Conference, Ithra will host a public program including film screenings, exhibitions and workshops throughout the entire week, all free of charge. These aim to engage visitors and provide interactive experiences that highlight the themes explored during the Conference.
Photography by Yasir Alqunais
A series of documentaries will offer visitors an intimate look into the lives and art of traditional artisans from across the Islamic world, including:
- In Praise of the Artisan (2024): commissioned and produced by Ithra, is a journey through the lives and art of traditional artisans from across the breadth of the Islamic world directed by independent British director Yasin Salazar.
- The Builders of the Alhambra (2023): directed by Spanish director and independent producer of documentaries Isabel Fernández, the film retraces the story of Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, and his project of constructing a building — the palaces of the Alhambra.
- From the Hand of Man (2015): from Canadian director Denise Holloway, a short documentary exploring the process of inlaying Arabic carving.
In conjunction, an extensive exhibition program across all of Ithra’s gallery spaces and Plaza will celebrate the rich history and timeless excellence of Islamic craftsmanship, affirming craftsmanship as a vibrant living tradition that continues to enrich and resonate in the modern world:
- The main exhibition, hosted in Gallery 3, will showcase the diverse influences and evolving practices of Islamic arts and crafts from across the globe, displaying both historical masterpieces and contemporary commissioned works. Curated by Ithra’s in-house curator Idries Trevathan, and thanks to the support and collaboration of prestigious collections such as the Al-Sabah Collection at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, and the Tareq Rajab Museum in Kuwait, In Praise of the Artisan will feature over 130 works including several that have never yet been publicly displayed, such as an 18th-century wooden interior from Damascus and sacred textiles like the 20th-century kiswa of the holy Ka’ba.
- Ithra’s Gallery 1 will host Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Contemporary and Traditional Art. Curated by Kumail Muhammed Almusaly, Curator of Travelling Exhibitions at Ithra, the exhibition showcases 10 contemporary artists from Ithra’s collection who combine traditional crafts with new materials and techniques.
- In Ithra’s Gallery 2, Materials, Designs and Techniques of Saudi Traditional Costumes: The Continuation of a Craft will showcase the magnificent craftsmanship and historical significance of traditional Saudi costumes and jewelry from across different regions of the Kingdom.
- Ithra’s Central Plaza will showcase a variety of exhibitions, featuring a collection of artworks by students from the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts (UK), as well as contributions from Barakat Trust, Turquoise Mountain (UK), and AramcoWorld Magazine (KSA). Additional contributions will be made by the Ministry of Culture (KSA), the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, the Al Sadu Weaving Association, and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques.
A series of workshops will also provide visitors the opportunity to engage directly with traditional Islamic art forms. Highlights include the Geometric Pattern Experience, where participants will explore shapes and structures foundational to Islamic design, and an Embroidery Workshop, allowing hands-on learning of intricate stitching techniques. Additionally, the Geometry of Mangour offers an immersive experience in wood carving, focusing on the art of Mangour, the intricate latticework used in Islamic architecture. Each workshop is designed to deepen appreciation for the skill and artistry behind these cultural crafts.
“The Islamic Art Conference and related cultural programming together offer a rare and immersive journey into the world of Islamic craftsmanship,” said Abdullah Alrashid, Director of Ithra. “By activating all of Ithra’s principal spaces and bringing together so many disciplines, we aim to celebrate the profound heritage of Islamic arts and, more importantly, support the artisans who carry these traditions forward and inspire new generations. This initiative aligns with Ithra’s mission to preserve cultural legacies, foster creative talent, and engage global audiences through collaboration with esteemed institutions.“
Dr. Mashary Al Naim, Secretary-General of the Abdullatif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture, adds: “The conference aligns with our mission to explore fresh perspectives, fostering innovative ideas that shape a new identity for Islamic art. Working with Ithra has been a fulfilling collaboration, breathing new life into the appreciation and practice of Islamic arts and crafts.”
For more information please visit Ithra’s website using this link. For the Conference media kit, use this link.
For further information and interview requests please contact:
Francesca Brizzi | francesca.brizzi@flint-culture.com
George McGovern | george.mcgovern@flint-culture.com
Farah Abushullaih 
Idries Trevethan
Key speakers
Dr. Jasir Suliman Alherbish CEO of the Heritage Commission, KSA, Shoshana Stewart, President of Turquoise Mountain, Prof. Mahmud Erol Kilic Director, Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), Turkey, Dr. Nada Alnafea, CEO of the UNESCO Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM, Farah Abushullaih Head of Museum, Ithra, Dr. Suzan Alyahya, CEO of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), Prof. Abdullah Alkadi, CEO of Tara Holdings, KSA and Founder & CEO of Abdullah Alkadi Company for Heritage and Historical Consultations, Laila Al Bassam, Professor of Traditional Costume and Textiles at Princess Nora University, KSA, Dr. Mashary A. Al-Naim, Secretary-General of Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture and Professor of Architectural Criticism at Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal University, Dammam, Seif El Rashidi, Director of the Barakat Trust and Historian of Art and Architecture, Mohammed Al Naim, Assistant Professor of Architecture specializing in Architectural and Cultural Heritage at the University of Hail, Johnny Hanson Editor in Chief of Aramco World Magazine, USA, Isabel Fernández, Independent Film Director, Writer, and Producer, Yasin Salazar, Independent Film Director, UK, Dr. Nehal Al Merbati, Assistant Professor – Department of Architecture and Interior Design, H.E. Shaikha Mai Al Khalifa, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, Dr. Fouad Serrhini, Director General of the Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of Fez (ADER), Morocco, Ahmad Angawi, CEO of Zawiya 97, KSA, Associate Director of Al Makmad Foundation, and Director of The House of Traditional Arts in Al-Balad, the historical district of Jeddah, Farida Alhusseini, Director of the Islamic Arts Biennale, Diriyah Biennale Foundation, Mariam Rosser-Owen, Curator of the Middle East, V&A Museum, UK, Dr. Marcus Milwright, Professor of Islamic Art & Archaeology in the Department of Art History and Visual Studies, University of Victoria, Canada, Salam Kaoukji, Curator and Collection Manager of the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, Prof. Adnan Adas, Professor of Architecture, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, and Board Member of Saudi ICOMOS Medad Philanthropic Foundation for Heritage, Culture, and Islamic Arts, Mitchell Abdul Karim Crites, Trustee on the board of the Turquoise Mountain Institute in Kabul, Senior Adviser to the Joint Saudi Handicrafts, and Turquoise Mountain Project dedicated to the revival of Saudi arts and crafts, Dr. Thalia Kennedy, Creative Director of the Conservation Body, Turquoise Mountain, Omniya Abdel Barr, Head of Development at the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation, Dr. Desmond Lazaro, Artist and Head of the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts at the Madrasat Adeera, ALUla, KSA, Dr. Sami L. De Giosa, Assistant Professor at the College of Fine Arts and Design, University of Sharjah, Deniz Öktem Bektaş Calligrapher, Turkey, Shuaib Sanchez, Traditional Andalusian Ceramist, Zainun Binti Jusoh, Director of ‘Terengganu Songket’ and Fifth-Generation Songket Weaver, Sevara Ibrokhim, CEO of Bukhari Creative & Master Craftsman, Uzbekistan, Rahmon Toirov, CEO of Bukhari Creative & Master Craftsman, Uzbekistan.
About Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a world-class destination and the beating heart of Saudi Arabia’s culture & creative industry contributing to its prosperity by enabling talent, supporting content production and encouraging cross-cultural exchange that promotes social harmony and human development. Ithra is Saudi Aramco’s most ambitious CSR initiative and the largest cultural contribution to the Kingdom. Through a compelling series of programs, workshops, performances, events, exhibitions and other various initiatives, Ithra creates world-class experiences that bring together culture, innovation and knowledge designed to appeal to everyone. Ithra’s components include the Idea Lab, Library, Theatre, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum and Ithra Tower.
For more information, please visit www.ithra.com. Follow Ithra on social media: Facebook (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), X (@Ithra) and Instagram (@Ithra) #Ithra.
About Abdullatif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture
Abdullatif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture was established in 2011; it targets the architectural, urban, and technical aspects of mosques all over the world, and it will be awarded to the related designer/architect. The main objective of this award is the development of contemporary design of mosques, through a specialized and classified database. Moreover, it encourages architects to create new mosque designs, which represent mosques in the twenty-first century. Generally, the award ensures the importance of the twenty-first-century mosque architecture that perceived and re-produced the soul of the traditional mosque ideas and conceived by the contemporary mosque concepts as a fundamental message. Therefore, this new message expresses the presence of the contemporary mosque with its architectural and social connection and confirms the importance of the technological and architectural forms that the mosque should reflect. The award is triennial; the winning mosques will be awarded based on an assessment of international architectural jurors experienced with mosque architecture, who will evaluate and assign the winning mosques. Furthermore, the award has been recently developed into a professional architectural institution aimed at developing mosque architecture and art worldwide. The award owns the “international conference on mosque architecture (ICMA)”, the “international conference on Islamic Arts” in partnership with Ithra, “and the International Competition on mosque accessories” and manages the online databases specialized for mosque architecture (Mosqpedia). Finally, the Award was named rewarding its founder Shiekh Abdullatif bin Ahmad Alfozan and his efforts and history in supporting charities. Nevertheless, it is managed by an executive committee and a general secretary, where the executive committee nominates jurors for each cycle, and accordingly follows up the assessment process and assigning the awarded mosques.
